Integration #4 April 29, 2022 Moreau FYE Integration Three Capstone Prompt: How do I pursue a life well-lived? Natalia’s Journey of the Life Well-Lived I believe it’s important to have goals and dreams, as well as aspirations to succeed. But, what does it mean to be successful? Well, for me, the true meaning of success doesn’t derive only from obtaining the most important position or the highest salary. For me, true success is being able to sleep with a clear conscience, knowing that everything I’ve accomplished has been with honesty and integrity. And that is what I think about when asking myself how I want to pursue a life well-lived. Pursuing a life well-lived for me, starts by cultivating my soul with moral principles. By moral principles I mean growing in ethical values, focusing on allowing myself to be who I am, even with my weaknesses and imperfections, and living a life based on faith and religion. These are the things that keep me going, keep me motivated, and keep me seeking the best person I can be. Everything I’ve said is regarding myself; that is the way I believe I should live my life. However, not everyone is the same; some people believe other characteristics make up a “good life.” Precisely because of that, is why I consider it very important for us to be able to discover and understand our beliefs. Not look for them, but just reflect and realize that those beliefs are found within ourselves. By recognizing my beliefs and the things I value the most, I can use them as motivation and guidance to pursue my future goals in life. In other words, becoming the person I aspire to be and achieving the “good life” that I have always wanted. When thinking about the things I value the most, I remembered a conversation I had with my best friend, Ximena, for the “Discernment Conversation Activity” of Moreau FYE Week Five. Talking with her helped me reflect on myself, and on the things I value. Something we talked about was how much I care about achieving my goals, through hard work and determination, by the hand of moral values like honesty and integrity. Moreover, she reminded me of a significant moment that I value very much. In 2020, I got covid 20 days before my last dance showcase. I’ve danced since I was three years old and competed since I was six, so dance has always been one of the most important things in my life. I went out of covid six days before my showcase, in which I was the protagonist, and I worked so hard those days to be able to present myself like I had always dreamed of. Talking with Ximena about this moment, and about what she believes is important to me, helped me gain more motivation and inspiration to keep going and keep achieving my goals through hard work, and integrity. After our conversation I remember feeling very grateful and blessed for my relationships, because this made me see how well my closest people know me. And I think it is important for us to have real relationships that can allow us to reflect about ourselves just as I did with Ximena this week. Furthermore, I am a true believer that life is better when you have people by your side; not only to create relationships based on love and appreciation, but also to enrich each other. Like Professor Steve said “My life has been enormously enriched through those relationships, and the concept of accompaniment has given me a new lens through which to understand my own experiences, teaching, international development, and much more.” (“Teaching Accompaniment: A Learning Journey Together by Professor Steve Reifenber - Moreau FYE Week Nine). The author truly emphasizes how relationships serve a greater purpose than just company. Rather than that, they enrich us and broaden our perspectives as long as they are healthy and fulfilling for our soul. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hZbSdVImfn2hZDqMrdL96dZCNOtHuf6C-lg3sH-Rs30/edit?usp=sharing https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hZbSdVImfn2hZDqMrdL96dZCNOtHuf6C-lg3sH-Rs30/edit?usp=sharing However, we should always be aware of not falling into Ideological Bubbles that keep us from expanding our knowledge and our intellectual growth. As Paul Blaschko said, “The worry seems to be that in surrounding ourselves with people who agree with us, we are losing our sense of how someone might reasonably disagree, which is accelerating political polarization". (How to Avoid an Echo Chamber by Dr. Paul Blaschko, ThinkND - Moreau FYE Week Eleven). It is important to understand how we need to surround ourselves not only with people that agree with us, but also with people that don't. That way we can expand our knowledge and learn to respect others' opinions even when we do not agree. I am a firm believer in the importance of listening and deeply understanding others points of view. As a matter of fact, I believe that when we manage to connect with the right people and we are willing to listen to new perspectives or different opinions, it helps us build off each other's morality and growth. Thus, creating healthy and real relationships, and allowing myself to expand my knowledge by interacting with people whose views differ from mine, are key components for my journey of pursuing a life well-lived. Another component I believe is significant to pursuing a life well-lived, is accepting that it is okay to make mistakes. I consider that being able to accept our mistakes and failings is what makes us strong and honest, as Fr. Hesburgh– in whom I found inspiration in his words as well as guidance– once stated. “It's impossible to have a complete and honest human story if one doesn’t speak of human failings as well as human successes.”. (https://notredame.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=10159379-7eca-4549-85 81-ab9500c9ecd9 Produced by Jerry Barca and Christine O’Malley - Moreau FYE Week Two). I have to admit, I am always trying to seek perfection and success. And yes, I know it is essential to have goals and the purpose of achieving those goals that bring success. However, as years have gone by, I’ve come to understand that it is also necessary to recognize that it is okay to fail; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaIVxQcqnLs&t=1s&ab_channel=ThinkND https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaIVxQcqnLs&t=1s&ab_channel=ThinkND https://notredame.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=10159379-7eca-4549-8581-ab9500c9ecd9 https://notredame.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=10159379-7eca-4549-8581-ab9500c9ecd9 it is okay to make mistakes. Life is a learning process, and we can’t learn if we don’t make mistakes. Therefore, I believe we should embrace all our qualities, including our flaws, and more importantly, we should embrace all our accomplishments and all our failings and understand that in the end, those are the things that make us strong and that make us who we are. As I continue talking about my journey of pursuing a life well-lived, I need to talk about one important component that matters very much to me: having the courage to act. This is something that means a lot to me, since I’ve always wanted to make an impact in the world, whether it is big or small, I don’t want to leave this world without feeling that I did all I could, to make a difference. As Dean G. Marcus Cole said “Each of us must do what we can, wherever we are.” Dean G. Marcus Cole: 'I am George Floyd. Except, I can breathe. And I can do something by Marcus Cole, Dean of Notre Dame Law School - Moreau FYE Week Twelve). This quote helped me be more aware of the power each of us have and how important it is for us to, little by little, make this world a better and more peaceful place. Specifically, Dean G. talked about the racial separation that leads to discrimination and violence, which is a very strong and significant topic, one that surrounds our everyday lives, and that even with many years passing, it is still present today. Therefore, we should take the first steps; us, who have the resources and opportunities to make a difference, should come together to avoid racial certitude and fight to make this world a better place. As Robin D’Angelo stated “If you are white I urge you to take the first step — let go of your racial certitude and reach for humility.”( Why It’s So Hard to Talk to White People About Racism by Dr. Robin D’Angelo, adapted from HuffPost - Moreau FYE Week Ten). I’ve always tried to incorporate this mentality and act towards the greater good. I believe we should all recognize this, and come together to be the change we want to see in the world. https://law.nd.edu/news-events/news/dean-g-marcus-cole-i-am-george-floyd-except-i-can-breathe-and-i-can-do-something/ https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bdVnfLDrJUJhd-4UtYb_kfRpcFgOoOeY7O1WT8_d3iw/edit https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bdVnfLDrJUJhd-4UtYb_kfRpcFgOoOeY7O1WT8_d3iw/edit Another important aspect of the “good life” is following God’s path. I believe that I am made to live a life based on Hope and faith. It gives us motivation and lets us live at peace. When talking about Hope, I feel it's essential to emphasize its significance, specifically the importance of Hope by the hand of God. Hope and faith work in unison to help us understand the significance of life, and trust that God's path is indeed the right one. I feel it's important to recognize the connection between faith and Hope because, through our faith, is that I'll feel deeply connected to something greater than myself, and through Hope I will find motivation to seek that life I am looking for and, more importantly, true happiness. That's why I chose this quote from Pope Francis “Hope is the virtue of a heart that doesn't lock itself into darkness, that doesn't dwell on the past, does not simply get by in the present, but is able to see tomorrow. "(https://www.ted.com/talks/his_holiness_pope_francis_why_the_only_future_worth_building_i ncludes_everyone/transcript By Pope Francis - Moreau FYE Week Seven). Hope keeps us going forward; it helps us stand back on our feet even in the worst times. It is through God that I have been able to overcome bad situations and continue going further. As Aria Swarr said once, But at the same time, the purpose of my life is not simply about overcoming suffering. Suffering is part of our lives. It is always there, but it is about how to respond to suffering with God. And that’s the reason how I was able to go through them and still trust in God and live with joy and gratitude.” (https://grottonetwork.com/make-an-impact/transform/why-does-god-allow-suffering/ Aria Swarr, Grotto - Moreau FYE Week Six). Suffering is a big part of all human beings’ lives. Whether it be the loss of a loved one, a setback on an important project, an emotional or physical injury– we all have to deal with it. However, life is way more than suffering. It is about enjoyment, satisfaction and laughter with the people around us. When regarding suffering, I feel it is important for us to avoid getting side tracked and think that life revolves around overcoming https://www.ted.com/talks/his_holiness_pope_francis_why_the_only_future_worth_building_includes_everyone/transcript https://www.ted.com/talks/his_holiness_pope_francis_why_the_only_future_worth_building_includes_everyone/transcript https://grottonetwork.com/make-an-impact/transform/why-does-god-allow-suffering/ suffering, because it is way beyond that. That is why I’ve always focused on making sure I find the good in every day and live my life around what makes me happy. Finally, what I considered to be the most valuable factor to pursue a life well-lived, is always focusing on making the best out of life like it was the last day. As stated “The concept is to intentionally think about your own death every day, as a means of appreciating the present and focusing on the future.” (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/14/us/memento-mori-nun.html By Ruth Graham, Ny times - Moreau FYE Week Three). This is a powerful message, but one that reflects exactly how I want to live my life. As humans, we are aware that our time in this world will eventually come to an end. However, I think sometimes we forget what that really means. We forget to focus on the present and live for today. That is what I’ve always tried to avoid; and why I always try to live like every day was the last one. By saying this, I mean I always try to stop worrying so much and start actually living, and enjoying the beauty of life. Because at the end, “Every experience shapes you in some way, whether you realize it at the moment or not.” (https://undergradcareers.nd.edu/navigating-your-career-journey---moreau/ Muerelo Family Center for Career Development - Moreau FYE Week Four). I feel this is a significant message since it can change how someone approaches each day. Furthermore, it reminds me of the significance each experience has in my life. It doesn’t matter if it’s something positive or negative; it is clear that everything has a significant impact on my life, and those experiences are what shape me into the person I’ve become. That is why I believe it is important to take a minute to slow down and realize what is in front of me and appreciate the beauty of it. Sometimes we just want to accomplish so many things, and we want to work so hard that we forget to enjoy the process and the different moments. So, I feel that we can appreciate more what’s in front of us by slowing down. As Pico Lyer stated, It’s easy to feel as if we’re standing https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/14/us/memento-mori-nun.html https://undergradcareers.nd.edu/navigating-your-career-journey---moreau/ two inches away from a huge canvas that’s noisy and crowded and changing with every microsecond. It’s only by stepping farther back and standing still that we can begin to see what that canvas (which is our life) really means, and to take in the larger picture.” (https://ideas.ted.com/why-we-need-a-secular-sabbath/ By Pico Lyer, TED - Moreau FYE Week One). This precisely represents the importance of “slowing down” or simply taking a pause. By doing this, we are allowing ourselves to see the real meaning and purpose of life, or whatever it is we are taking a minute from. We are allowing ourselves to recognize what is in front of us, and most importantly, we are giving ourselves a moment to breathe. Furthermore, I think this can help me appreciate every moment, even the little ones, and motivate me to seek significant and memorable experiences throughout my life that can improve the person I’ve become and the person I want to be. Everything I just mentioned, is what has shaped me into the person I've become today and what keeps me motivated to seek a life well-lived. Through my upcoming years, I will keep focusing on embracing these values and living each day like if it was the last one. Moreover, I’ll keep working on allowing myself to be vulnerable and accepting my weaknesses and mistakes. Finally, I will keep seeking faith and religion and following my desire to live a life full of hope by the hand of God. That way, I can become someone real, authentic, and true. I'm very grateful I have the opportunity to call this university, in which love, religion, and spirit prevails, my second home. Furthermore, with the motto that the university always promotes: the mind will not be cultivated at the expense of the heart, I'm certain I'll be able to educate my mind and my heart, becoming a successful and compassionate professional, and reaching that life well-lived that I’ve always wanted. https://ideas.ted.com/why-we-need-a-secular-sabbath/